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Rachel V Thomas

Cyclospora Cases Cross 17,000 In US: Should You Stop Eating Lettuce?

The Cyclospora outbreak ongoing in the US since May this year has reached 17,180 cases, compared with 1,180 cases through August last year, according to the latest figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The cases, reported across 48 states plus the District of Columbia, include two deaths, while 922 people have been hospitalized.

In addition, the CDC is investigating 11,844 additional cases that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed. The federal agency added that the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.

“Recent illnesses may not yet be reported due to the time it takes to identify and report Cyclospora cases. It can take about six weeks from the start of symptoms to when CDC receives the case information,” the CDC said.

Historically, the cyclosporiasis season in the United States runs from May 1 through August 31, so cases should dwindle as summer ends, the CDC said.

The largest outbreak this summer was reported in Michigan. Last week, Michigan noted a 3% increase in cases, bringing the state's total to 14,277 cases.

Outbreak Linked To Iceberg Lettuce

The outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce, particularly lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The lettuce was sold at stores and at Taco Bell restaurants across the US before it was recalled.

Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that spreads through food and water contaminated with infected human feces.

The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees food safety, has said it is “confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market.”

While an average American reportedly eats about 18.3 pounds of lettuce each year, consumers purchased about 7.6 million fewer pounds of lettuce during the four weeks ending July 18 compared with the same period last year, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Food safety experts noted that people can eat lettuce now, but should choose their greens wisely.

“Consumers should make informed choices rather than avoiding leafy greens altogether,” said Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University, Food &amp; Wine reported.

Because the recalls so far are tied to specific products from one producer and have not expanded to include other lettuce producers, other products are likely OK, Detwiler said.

“Consumers should follow FDA and CDC recall information rather than assuming every leafy green product is unsafe,” he said.

Wade Syers, an extension specialist for food safety at Michigan State University Extension, said the ongoing Cyclospora investigation “does not mean all lettuce or all leafy greens are unsafe.”

To reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends:

<ul><li>Wash your hands before handling food.</li><li>Wash fresh produce under running water before eating, preparing or cooking it.</li><li>Cook food to at least 158°F (70°C) to kill Cyclospora.</li><li>Follow CDC and FDA recall notices and avoid recalled products.</li><li>Avoid bagged salad mixes.</li></ul>

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The Cyclospora outbreak ongoing in the US since May this year has reached 17,180 cases, compared with 1,180 cases through August last year, according to the latest figures released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).The cases, reported across 48 states plus the District of Columbia, include two deaths, while 922 people have been hospitalized.In addition, the CDC is investigating 11,844 additional cases that have not yet been laboratory-confirmed. The federal agency added that the true number of people sick with cyclosporiasis is likely higher because some people recover without medical care and are not tested for Cyclospora.“Recent illnesses may not yet be reported due to the time it takes to identify and report Cyclospora cases. It can take about six weeks from the start of symptoms to when CDC receives the case information,” the CDC said.Cyclospora Cases Expected To DwindleHistorically, the cyclosporiasis season in the United States runs from May 1 through August 31, so cases should dwindle as summer ends, the CDC said.The largest outbreak this summer was reported in Michigan. Last week, Michigan noted a 3% increase in cases, bringing the state's total to 14,277 cases.Outbreak Linked To Iceberg LettuceThe outbreak has been linked to iceberg lettuce, particularly lettuce produced by Taylor Farms de Mexico. The lettuce was sold at stores and at Taco Bell restaurants across the US before it was recalled.Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite that spreads through food and water contaminated with infected human feces.The Food and Drug Administration, which oversees food safety, has said it is “confident that all recalled iceberg lettuce related to this specific Cyclospora outbreak is off the market.”While an average American reportedly eats about 18.3 pounds of lettuce each year, consumers purchased about 7.6 million fewer pounds of lettuce during the four weeks ending July 18 compared with the same period last year, according to The Wall Street Journal.Is It Safe To Eat Lettuce Right Now?Food safety experts noted that people can eat lettuce now, but should choose their greens wisely.“Consumers should make informed choices rather than avoiding leafy greens altogether,” said Darin Detwiler, a professor at Northeastern University, Food & Wine reported.Because the recalls so far are tied to specific products from one producer and have not expanded to include other lettuce producers, other products are likely OK, Detwiler said.“Consumers should follow FDA and CDC recall information rather than assuming every leafy green product is unsafe,” he said.Wade Syers, an extension specialist for food safety at Michigan State University Extension, said the ongoing Cyclospora investigation “does not mean all lettuce or all leafy greens are unsafe.”How To Prevent Cyclospora InfectionTo reduce the risk of infection, the CDC recommends:Wash your hands before handling food.Wash fresh produce under running water before eating, preparing or cooking it.Cook food to at least 158°F (70°C) to kill Cyclospora.Follow CDC and FDA recall notices and avoid recalled products.Avoid bagged salad mixes.

cyclospora cases cross 17,000 in us: should you stop eating lettuce?

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